1996-S 50C Swimming MS69 Certification #72688133, PCGS #9712

Jaime Hernandez

The 1996-S Swimming Half Dollar has the lowest mintage for any mint state half dollar commemorative coin from 1982 to date. Due to its low mintage the coin has always commanded a higher premium compared to any other modern mint state commemorative half dollar coin.

The Swimming Commemorative Half Dollar was produced in order to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Modern Day Olympic Games. This coin was produced as part of a two year program consisting of 16 different Olympic commemorative coins.

The pre issue price of the coin was set at $10.50 each with the regular issue price being set at $11.50 each. As of 2009, the same coins are selling well above the $100 range.

The Mint also produced proof half dollars with the same design. However, proof coins will display reflective mirror like surfaces also known as deep cameo surfaces. Both the mint state and proof Swimming commemorative half dollar coins will bear an "S" mint mark, since they were both produced at the San Francisco Mint.